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Thursday, February 26, 2015

It's our first "random friday freebie" for 2015 and we have something very special planned for you! We are giving away this beautiful, handcrafted, interchangeable crochet hook set!

We have teamed up with local artisans, Dave and Carolyn of 2GoodClaymates, and we are very excited to be able to offer this wonderful set valued at $65.00 USD (approx. $80.00 CAD). This interchangeable crochet hook is not only pretty to look at, but it also feels great in your hand.

The flowers, leaves, and their signature lady bugs are not painted on, but rather they are created in the clay itself from Dave and Carolyn's own canes. Thin slices from the canes are then carefully applied to the crochet hook. Each hook they make then goes through a process which involves 3 bakings. The hook is then sanded by hand to create a silky smooth finish. Although this next picture is of their coloured floral set, it gives you an idea as to just how labour intensive this process is.

To ensure authenticity the bottom of hook is stamped with their signature logo.

Also included with this kit are 2 super adorable crochet stitch markers...a sweet little lady bug and a double sided leaf. They are perfect for crochet as they easily open to attach to your stitches and stay securely closed until removed. Plus, the polymer clay is super light so they don't pull on your work.

This set includes 8 interchangeable heads ranging in size from a 3.00 mm to a 7.00 mm, and the entire set is nicely enclosed in this soft faux leatherette case that fits in the palm of your hand.

Be sure to check out all of 2GoodClaymates goodies, on Facebook, Etsy or their blog. With so many beautiful things, you will be sure to find something you love.

The draw will begin today and is open to both local and international crocheters. The draw will end Sunday, March 1st, 2015 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). The winner will be randomly picked using random.org on Monday, March 2nd, and will be contacted the same day via email or Facebook. You can also check back here on Monday to see if you are the winner!!

To enter the contest:

Entering your name is simple and you will be happy to know there is a variety of ways to do so. Please see below for the tasks you can complete. You can choose to do as many or as few as you like. Each task is worth one entry. Have fun! Hope you win!!

Monday, February 23, 2015

Some time ago we talked about some beautiful polymer clay buttons created by our very own local artists, 2GoodClaymates. You can find our original post here. Well, much to our delight, we recently discovered that Dave and Carolyn of 2GoodClaymates have come up with their very own line of polymer clay crochet hooks, and they now have them listed in their etsy shop. There is something for every taste, but these are the ones that I chose.

And of course they make crochet stitch markers to match...

The stitch markers come in a set of five different colors, and we love that they come with a lobster claw clasp so you can easily attach them to your favorite project bag.

Check out this detail....each crochet hook is stamped on the bottom with the size.

I didn't know a lot about working with polymer clay. Actually, I didn't really know anything, so I was surprised to see how much work goes into each hook. If you are like me and think that you simply buy a sheet of clay and wrap it around the hook, then you need to check out this post by Dave and Carolyn.

Dave and Carolyn are a delightful and generous couple, and we have teamed up with them to offer you some wonderful giveaways. In fact, we have a fantastic giveaway planned for the end of this week. If you are on our mailing list, you will be receiving an email with all of the details. If you are not on our mailing list then we encourage you to either sign up here, or be sure to check back this Friday, February 27th 2015. This is a giveaway that you don't want to miss!!!

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

I love how the colours flow one into another in this infinity scarf.
Three coordinating colours create 4 repeated colour blocks. Wrap it once
to have the colours opposite each other or wrap it twice to have the
colour blocks all pool together.

You can be as soft and subtle or as loud and bright as you wish.
Coming up with different colour combinations is half the fun! You can
really make your personality shine with this scarf.

This scarf is created using tunisian crochet so a basic knowledge of
tunisian crochet is recommended. The scarf is created using 2 strands of
fingering weight yarn held together so it works up fairly fast. The
photos show it done in Knit Picks Palette (100% wool) but any comparable
yarn can be easily substituted.

(Purchase this pattern using the link above and receive 20% off your purchase. No coupon code is necessary. The discount is taken off automatically at checkout. Offer valid until February 28, 2015. **For our EU friends - please head over to our Etsy shop and you will find it under our Scarf/Shawl section. The price there has been adjusted to reflect the discount.**)

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Here's a cold-weather essential for the men! Whether you are just learning, or if you have been crocheting for years you will love this quick and easy pattern for a mens hooded neck warmer.

This crochet pattern calls for 2 balls of Lion Brand® Heartland® [142 g (5.0 oz)/230 meters (251 yds) per ball] which is a worsted weight (4), a 4.00 mm (G) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge), and 2 – 18 mm buttons. Also, this well written pattern is complete with illustrations to help you to successfully complete your project.

The crochet instructions are written for one size only, and will fit most adults. The finished hood measures approximately 28 cm (11”) wide and 48.3 cm (19”) in length. Please note that the size is approximate and will be affected by the gauge and the brand of wool.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

I love how the colours blend from one to the other in this infinity scarf! Only 3 colours are used but you get four different colour blocks. The combinations are endless!

Don't recognize the stitch? It is the backside of a tunisian crochet stitch and it lent itself wonderfully to this pattern. I'm working on the pattern now and I hope to have it available to you in the very near future!